Chapter Seven – From Hero to Zero OR How a Legend Loses Its Luster
Riley had one last stop to make on her way out of town, she needed to get Crixus. As she entered his hospital room, she found the Gallade pacing. As she looked him over, there was little evidence of any of the life threatening injuries he'd received a few short days ago. All that remained was a small jagged scar just above his heart. "Thank you for retrieving me from this insufferable prison. I've explained to these 'doctors' that I've been through much worse, in return they filled me with drugs and strapped me to the bed." Crixus was clearly irritated, but the prospect of leaving his "prison" made it bearable. Riley gave Crixus the brief version as they walked through the Hospital Wing, and by the time they'd made it to the exit of the Poke Center, Crixus had developed his plan.
"My Lady, I understand you do not wish to let me fight, I shall remain with you in case of emergency. If reason presents itself, I shall again intervene to keep you safe. I trust you'll find a use for me, and if none can be found, I ask to be released." Telepathy was weird, Riley could not only hear everything Crixus has said, but she could feel the emotion that accompanied his thoughts. He held no grudge over his injuries, he was overcome with pride when speaking of saving her again, and he seemed to be at peace with the idea of being released if no other use could be found.
As Riley and the Gallade made their way through town, Officer Jenny chased them down. "Trainer, are you aware you have a level 3 Pokemon out of its ball in city limits? Let me see your Trainer I.D. NOW!" Riley had no idea what was happening, but she provided her Pokedex and waited.
After a few moments, Officer Jenny returned the Pokedex and turned back to the duo. "Riley, I can see you've only recently begun training, so I'll let you off with a warning. Until you've earned 2 badges, you may only have a level 1 Pokemon out of its ball in city limits. When you've received 4 badges, you may have a level 3, and when you've received 7 badges, or enlisted with the Military or Ranger Corp, you may have any Pokemon with you. Additionally, until you've received your fourth badge, only one Pokemon may be outside of its ball, whereas any trainer with four or badges can have two Pokemon with them." Officer Jenny smiled, and nodded towards the Gallade. With a flash, he'd been returned.
"A few years back, a young trainer managed to evolve his Magikarp, and released it in New Mauville. The Gyarados began to rampage on the outskirts of town, causing tens of thousands in damage. The league was dispatched to contain the Pokemon, and from that point forward the rules were put in place." Riley understood the reasoning, but how could a Gallade be considered dangerous? Regardless, she quickly apologized to the Officer and made her way to the western exit.
After a few hours of little action, Riley released her team to discuss the coming days. "As you noticed, Crixus has rejoined us. He'll be here to transport us in case of an emergency and communication, but he'll be taking no part in battles. We've got four days to make it to Rustboro, which should be an easy task. Following the route can take less than a day by bike, or two days on foot. We'll be heading further into the wild. There will be stronger Pokemon for us to train against, and maybe if we are lucky, the chance to catch a new teammate." As she looked at her team, she could see the look of determination. Riley asked Crixus if there were any objections, with a head shake signaling no, they set forth.
Riley enjoyed the wilds of Western Route 102. The forests weren't overly thick, and there was plenty of streams and ponds to refill her water supplies. As she made her way to a nice little clearing overlooking a pond, she decided it'd be a nice place to make camp for the evening. Crixus assembled the fire wood, Kek trenched a perimeter to warn off wild Pokemon, Joy swam innocently in the water and Asher lounged about lazily in the fleeting sunlight. As Crixus returned with the firewood, Riley ran into her first problem. How to start a fire without a fire type? She hadn't packed a lighter, so that option was out. She was left with only one choice, and it wasn't exactly the "safest" option.
"OK Asher, are you sure you can do this?" She nervously looked at her electric lizard. With a quick shake of the head, he trudged to the brush and firewood and sat on top. For the next few seconds, everything was quiet, and then he begun to glow. At first, it was a dull white, and then grew stronger to a bright yellow. Finally, small arcs of electricy began to dart of the Pokemon's body. With a sudden flash, static filled the air and a hint of charred timber filled the air. The Helioptile grinned proudly and quickly evacuated the budding fire. As he made his way to Riley, he'd noticed he may of over done it. Riley was picking herself up off the ground, her typically tight brown curls currently looking like a Bouffalant had been stuck in the humidity. "Good job buddy, but I think moving forward we are going to need a new way to make this work, that was a little too effective." Riley dusted herself off and began pouring food for her Pokemon.
As the young trainer gazed at the fire, she thought back on the day. Only one of her wild encounters really stuck out. It was an overly brief battle with an aggressive Nuzleaf. Joy had been walking with Riley as the seed Pokemon lept towards them. In an instant, her Spheal launched her Icy Breath and incapacitated the grass Pokemon. Nuzleaf was a second evolution, and even with a weakness to ice, should have put up a bit more of a fight. It really proved how strong her Joy was growing, and if her changing appearance was any indication, she may soon have her first evolution. The thought of Joy becoming a Sealeo was exciting, and Riley knew if she pushed just a little bit harder, it would happen soon. As she smiled thinking about that eventuality, she made her way to her tent. Joy cuddled up in her arms with Asher at her feet. Her vigilant Sandile Kek lay at the entrance of the tent, readily standing guard in his natural element. Crixus sat crossed legged under a tree near by meditating. He'd be in the same position when Riley awoke the following morning.
Day two of Riley's journey to Rustboro was similarly uneventful, minus two BIG developments. Mid-morning, Riley came across what looked to be a deserted camp site. What she found was a bit unsettling. She released her Sandile, along with the valiant Gallade. Instantly the psychic type was on edge, and warned Riley to tread carefully. Kek burrowed and forged a shallow tunnel, ready to surprise any potential threats. As Riley scanned the area, she found a tattered tent collapsed and badly battered. With a deep breath, she picked up the canvas to see what remained. A smell so foul she could literally taste it was the first of her senses to be assaulted, seconds later it would be her eyes. Riley steadied herself and looked inside. A small Vulpix, half decomposed lay along side a shattered pokeball and an empty trainers belt. Crixus again made warning, but Riley dug deeper. As she moved the belt, a Pokedex with a broken screen was all that remained in the depressing scene. She tucked the abandoned 'dex into her pack and began to remove herself from the area. As she began to walk away, she called to the Gallade, but there was no response. This time she screamed, and again there was nothing. She anxiously scanned the area for her valiant knight, and noticed the psychic in a heap several yards away. She cautiously made her way towards the downed Pokemon, and as she was mere feet from reaching him, a specter appeared. At first it looked to be little more than a shadow emerging from the Gallade, and then, with a closer look, a small flame became clear.
"Litwick, the ghost and fire Pokemon. While origins are unknown, they are believed to be created from the tortured spirit of a fire type." Oh great, her best chance at handling the issue lay in a heap. Riley reached for her belt, but before she had time the haunted candle made it's move. The Litwick flickered, and then dissapeared, causing the skin to crawl on the girls arms. As she quickly turned to try and spot the evil spirit, all that was heard was a CRUNCH. Without hesitation, she through her Pokeball as hard as she could, seemingly hitting the Sandile in the snout. With a bright red flash, the Litwick was absorbed into the sphere. With a single shake, the pokeball clicked, indicating a capture.
Riley praised the small crocodile, and returned to the Gallade to apply a potion and revive her fallen comrade. As the Gallade regained consciousness, Riley explained what had happened. "I found you laying on the ground, and before I had a chance to react, the Litwick disappeared and darted behind me. Fortunately Kek had dug his trench, and laid waiting. If it hadn't been for him, I may have met a worse fate." Riley didn't understand how she was able to catch the ghost, it's body being in an incorporeal state. She'd have to ask Nick or her Dad when she had the chance.
"The demon attempted to communicate with me prior to attacking me. It requested we allow it to join our ranks. I refused, and that's when I was blindsided. I should have known it'd attack, but until I've fully recovered my strength, apparently my psychic sense is still weak. Seeing as you captured the Pokemon easily, it must have been quite willing to join our ranks. I do not trust it, when you decide to release it, please make sure Kek and I are present." The Gallade was obviously embarrassed by being dispatched of so quickly by such a small Pokemon, but he remained vigilant in Riley's defense.
The second event of note took place as they made camp that evening. They found a shallow cave with no apparent tunnels or connections, and decided it'd be a safe spot to spend the evening. As the team relaxed and ate their dinner an uninvited guest made his presence known.
"You are weak, and you are worthless. If you were a Treecko you'd have already evolved by now, I should throw your pokeball into the lake and be done with you." Riley knew that voice, the young arrogant boy from the Professor's Lab... It was Declan. Riley quickly exited the cave, with her team closely behind. "That's enough, if your Pokemon isn't performing to your standards, its only proof that the fault lies with its trainer." She was sure that would cause a reaction, which is exactly what she wanted.
"If your Torchic is so weak, how about you show him how powerful the rest of your team is. I'll wipe the floor with them, and show them what a real team looks like." The young boy quickly accepted, commanding the Torchic sit at his feet and observe what real Pokemon looked like.
Riley called Asher forward, and awaited their first opponent Declan released his first combatant, a small blue tadpole with a green lilipad atop its head. Riley had no need to scan this Pokemon, it was a Lotad, Asher had been dispatching them with ease over the past few days. Riley quickly issued the small electric Pokemon his order. With a brilliant yellow glow, he released his electric discharge, and seconds later the Lotad was recalled by it's trainer. Riley called Asher back, now calling Kek forward. "You know what I'm going to use, maybe this time use your brain and send out a challenge." She was trying to work him up, make him realize he was outclassed, but he appeared to be a slow learner.
Kek's opponent materialized in front of him, this would prove to be a little more difficult. Riley recognized this one as well, but she wasn't quite as confident. Her body still felt the aftermath of their last encounter with a Makuhita, this time would be different. "Use Brick Break!" she heard the boy issue his command, and snapped herself back to reality. "Kek, underground, now." The crocodile burrowed, and the Makuhita missed. Kek resurfaced directly behind the chubby fighting type, and launched his sand tomb. The Makuhita was quickly overwhelmed by the muddy tornado, and struggled to free itself. The crocodile launched and chomped down on the sumo, and wouldn't release until the fighter fainted. Riley quickly recalled her Sandile, and sent out her starter. It was Joy's time to shine. Declan released his last Pokemon, and Joy smiled. A Taillow appeared before them, and immediately Riley ordered an Icy Breath. It was over instantly, and as Declan reached to recall his fallen bird, Joy was encased with an aura of white. After a few seconds, a rush of energy left the seal, leaving behind a very welcome sight.
"Sealeo, the water and ice type. Sealeo is the evolved form of Spheal. It's additional body mass allows it to absorb considerable physical damage." Riley smiled as she congratulated her friend, but quickly turned back to the irritable young boy. "I think it's time you apologize to that Torchic, and admit you are the one that needs to improve. You had a type advantage and failed, you had the first opportunity to attack, and failed, you HAVE the opportunity to help your Pokemon grow, and so far you've failed." She didn't feel good about that last line, but she knew a harsh experience can lead to so much more.
"You aren't a bad guy, I truly believe that. I don't know why you try to act like one, but if you just put that chip on your shoulder towards bettering yourself and your team, who knows how far you could go." Good cop, bad cop. Usually when she experienced this it was Mom and Dad, but she'd have to do. "Here's my challenge to you Declan. Earn 4 badges and call me in two months. If in that time you are able to get the badges and grow your team, I'll go all out in a battle with you, and I bet the finish is different from what you just experienced." She took another look at the boy, who sheepishly turned from her stare. He recalled his Torchic and walked off, not a word spoken.
"I hope he figures it out, if he stays like that, I'll do whatever I can to give his Pokemon a better chance. But enough of that, we have dinner and a celebration to attend to." The girl and her team made their way back to the cave, joyously celebrating their friend Joy's evolution, and the victories for each of their team.
Day three was a struggle. They'd reached Petalburg woods early that morning, and quickly realized that bug Pokemon were quite a pain to deal with. They didn't react to intruders like most Pokemon, instead of identifying a threat and lashing out or retreating, they swarmed together. After multiple encounters with dozens of Wurmples/Silcoons/Cascoons at a time, they needed an easier way through this. Riley decided it was time to see what their ghost had to offer. She let Crixus know her plan, and released her Sandile. After a brief strategy session in case it was hostile, she released the Litwick.
Riley felt the tingle in her mind, and acknowledged the link with her Gallade. An instant later, she heard a low, quiet sound, but couldn't make out the words. Crixus paused, and approached the small ghost. As he outstretched his bladed arm, he did something unexpected. He grabbed the ghost, and appeared to be consoling it. Crixus nodded to Riley, and released the ghost. "He wishes to fight along side you, and swears his loyalty. He believes you have a common goal, and he'll do anything to see it achieved. His name was once Cole, and with your approval, he wishes to keep that name."
Previous name? Common Goal? There was clearly more to this than she'd previously expected. "Crixus, can he hear me? I can't understand his voice, but wish to speak with him." The young girl paused, she needed answers. "Ghost types have a difficult time communicating via telepathy, to properly communicate with a human, they must perform a "bond" of sorts. The Litwick line have a particularly interesting method. To form the bond necessary, an oath must be made. Upon your death, you must swear the ghost may burn and consume what remains. In return, he'll leave a mark on your soul, indicating you have been spoken for to others of his type, and allowing the communication you desire. Until that rite has been performed, communication will be limited to what I can provide. Please realize, once that bond has been set in place, the only way out of the bond is from the spirit that placed it." Crixus heavily emphasized that last portion, it was not a matter to take lightly, and definitely not something to rush in to.
Riley and Crixus conversed for a short time longer, and came to terms with Cole. Cole would obey commands, and earn their trust. Riley realized quickly that the Litwick was more than capable of dispatching the annoying bugs slowing their progress. The matter in which he did it was far more impressive. Their first encounter was with a few Wurmple, and Cole slowly drifted towards them, only the small flickering flame visible. The bugs curiously approached, unable to resist the flashing light. When they were within inches, he appeared, scattering balls of fire at the unsuspecting worms. That was the end of their worries for much of the forest. The ghost lulled the bugs in with ease, quickly dispatched, and again became incorporeal until he was needed again, effortlessly blending with Riley's shadow as they traversed the woods.
Riley did get one good battle as they made their way out of the woods. Just as they came upon a field of open grass, a Pelliper appeared. Riley sent her trusty electric lizard out, who gained confidence by the day. With a quick flash, a discharge was launched. The flying water type easily evaded, and returned fire with a boiling hot splash of water. Scald, the mind bendingly effective water attack. Incredibly effective against anything susceptible to water, but it was also so hot it remained effective against grass types, sometimes even causing lasting burns. The orb of whatever found its mark, drenching the Lizard and knocking it backwards. Asher quickly regained his composure, and again began to prepare his discharge attack. As the Pelliper circled back towards to the Helioptile, it dove sharply towards him, Asher again unleashed his attack, hitting it's mark. The Pelliper was stunned, and hit the ground hard. As Riley began to cheer, the Pelican stirred to its feet, preparing to take to the sky. Asher quickly launched a tackle attack at the bird, and with a hard collision, the bird tumbled backwards. Riley launched her pokeball at the bird, and watched anxiously. Shake... Shake... Shake... Click – Another catch! Riley quickly retrieved the brave flying type, making sure she praised Asher for his brilliant battle.
After a few moments Riley released Crixus and then the Pelliper. "My name is Riley, and I'm working very hard to be a strong Pokemon trainer. This is my friend Crixus, and we'd like to ask you to officially join our team." Riley had mastered her speech, it felt good to be able to deliver it in full before something crazy happened. "The bird does not wish to join us, she has a a flock to take care of, and she's the only Pelliper of the group. She only attacked to keep you away from the nest down the way." Doesn't want to join us? Did she see how strong we were? "I'm offering her the opportunity to see the world, and develop her abilities to their full potential." Riley had to try, a bird that could take a super effective attack and continue on was a rare thing. "She will not fight if you force her to join, she requests her release or the capture of her flock." Crixus diligently relayed the information, and already knew the response. Riley turned to the Pelliper, who was pridefully awaiting its fate. Riley crushed the pokeball under her heel, the only true way to release a Pokemon from your possession. Riley walked towards the bird, and bowed. A sign of respect the bird understood. The bird returned the gesture in kind, before turning and returning to its roost. Riley was proud and sad at the same time. A great battle against a strong adversary, a successful capture, and then a release. The entire ordeal took less than ten minutes, but it remained in her thoughts for the majority of the day.
As Riley and her team made their way forward, they came across a small flower shop on the coast of a small lake. Riley returned her friends and entered the building. A lovely woman, who looked to be in her mid to late thirties, was the only person in the shop. Riley approached to find the best route to Rustboro. It'd been a long three days, and a shower was well over due. As the woman, Trish, finished giving the directions, she asked Riley if they'd like to stay the evening. There was a spare bed in the small apartment above, and with the string of Pokemon thefts, she'd feel much better knowing a young girl had a safe place to sleep. Riley gratefully accepted, and asked if there was somewhere for her to release her team. On the backside of the building was a small fenced in area where the flower shop workers Pokemon were allowed to roam freely. Riley released her team, and introduced them to the worker and the grass types that called this place home. They laid about the rest of the afternoon, relaxing and enjoying the beautiful weather, they'd done it the hard way. They took the path less traveled, the path of resistance, and they came out far stronger because of it.
That evening Riley and Trish talked as if they were old friends. Trish told Riley stories of her trainer days, about her prized Roserade, about her loving husband currently deployed overseas. Riley couldn't place a finger on it, but she could swear they'd met before, and the stories of her Husband Dave and his unit sounded strangely familiar. As they continued to chat over dinner, Riley felt strangely at home. After finishing offer her second helping of dessert, she retired to her room for the evening. She quickly fell asleep, this was the closest to home she'd felt since the day she left. It'd been a little over a week, but she was ready to see her parents again.
Riley woke early the next morning and thanked Trish for her hospitality. She gathered her team from the enclosure, and they began the final stretch of their journey to Rustboro. The final portion of the route was not what she expected. It was a series of piers and platforms zig-zagging across the lake, and there were trainers everywhere. Riley made it maybe a hundred meters before her first challenge. An older gentlemen, clearly dressed as a fisherman, made the challenge. "Hey young'n, I've got a new catch I've been itching to try out, care to indulge an old codger like me?" He was a bit on the chubby side, with a Grandfatherly white beard and jolly demeanor. How do you say no to a Santa Claus look alike?
Riley agreed, and told the man which Pokemon she had. She knew her opponent would be a water type, and Asher would be an easy win. The man asked to see the Sealeo, and Riley obliged. As Joy took her position, the man released his new Pokemon. A Feebas. Possibly the ugliest Pokemon currently known. Riley had heard tales of them evolving into an elegant form, but she'd never seen one personally.
Riley gave the fisherman the first move, he happily accepted. "Feebas, use splash!" Riley couldn't believe what she'd just heard. The only attack she knew of that had no offensive or defensive purpose, it literally just commanded the fish to flop helplessly. Riley didn't know what to do, so she did nothing. Skeptical of a trap, she patiently waited. "Young lady, I believe its your turn, and to assure you there's no trick, splash is the only move this old carp knows." Riley hesitated, and then issued her attack. "Joy, use rollout!" The Sealeo curled into a ball and launched herself towards her target. It was a direct hit, and it was overkill. The Feebas was instantly knocked out, and the Sealeo was returned.
"Now you get to see the real treat!" The man recalled his feebas, into a pink and white pokeball. Seconds later, the man released the fish, and it was encased in that familiar cloak of white energy. With a few pulses, the white light flashed and a surge of energy overtook all involved. What now stood before them was a 12' tall serpent, and it was beautiful. "That there is a Milotic, they are quite difficult to obtain, and evolving a Feebas is mind numbingly difficult, and frankly quite boring. I was fortunate with this one, I caught her two days ago, and she's already four years old. Makes the process much quicker.." Riley couldn't believe it. Everything she'd heard could not do this Pokemon justice. She was sleek, stoic, she was beautiful. Riley couldn't help herself, she approached the newly evolved Pokemon absent thought. She pulled out her Pokedex and scanned her. "Milotic, the water type Pokemon. Long thought to be a creature of legend, this Pokemon appears when conflict is near, calming the hearts and minds of any creature in the area." Yup, that made sense. Riley couldn't recall a time she'd felt more at peace.
After another few minutes of marveling at this elegant creature, Riley finally bid the man farewell to continue her trek. Over the next two hours, she fought countless trainers, all using solely water type Pokemon. Asher got a lot of battling experience that morning, even if there wasn't a real challenge posed. Riley finally hit land at mid-day, and she could see Rustboro in the distance. Her plan of battling and making it to town late that evening went out the window, she was ready to see her family, and she was ready to see them now. She returned Joy, and with only Crixus to accompany her, she broke into a sprint. Forty five minutes of sprinting, stopping to gasp for air, and then continuing the sprint she made her way into the city.